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Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

What Is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever?

Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a bacterial
infection. People get it from the bite of an infected tick. Most infections happen
in the spring and summer, when ticks are active.

Doctors treat RMSF with
antibiotics
. With prompt treatment, most people recover in a few days.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever?

RMSF gets its name from the trademark rash it causes. Small red spots and blotches
begin on the wrists and ankles, then spread to the palms and soles, and up the arms
and legs toward the trunk. Over time, the red spots might start to look more like
bruises or bloody dots or patches under the skin.

Other signs of RMSF include:

high fever

severe headache

chills

muscle aches and joint pain

nausea and vomiting

belly pain

tiredness

Symptoms often begin suddenly, usually within 1 week of a tick bite, though sometimes
a bit later. Often, the person doesn't remember being bitten by a tick. The rash most
often appears 3–5 days after the fever and headache start, but can take longer.

What Causes Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever?

Bacteria called Rickettsia rickettsia cause RMSF. Ticks spread the bacteria
when they bite a person. Infections are most common in the southeastern part of the
United States, but can happen in other states.

Is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Contagious?

RMSF isn't contagious, and can't spread from person to person. The infection spreads
through the bite of an infected tick.

How Is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Diagnosed?

Doctors usually diagnose RMSF based on:

a person's symptoms

whether the person had a recent tick bite or was in an area likely to have ticks

A blood test and skin test can help diagnose RMSF, but getting the results takes
time, so treatment often starts before the results are ready.

How Is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Treated?

Doctors treat RMSF with antibiotics. Depending on how serious the symptoms are,
a person might take these by mouth or get them through an IV (intravenously). Most
people recover within a few days.

An infection that isn't treated right away can cause serious health problems, which
can affect the brain, lungs, heart, and kidneys. Someone with these problems may need
long-lasting treatment. RMSF that isn't treated can be life-threatening.

Dress in closed shoes, long sleeves, and pants when in wooded or grassy areas.
Tuck the shirt into pants and the pant legs into socks to keep ticks out.

Wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to see.

Check yourself and any pets for ticks when you come indoors.

Not all ticks carry the RMSF bacteria, but it's wise to remove any right away.
The longer a tick stays attached to the skin, the greater the chance of infection.
It usually takes several hours for a tick to spread the bacteria that cause RMSF when
it's attached to the skin.

To remove a tick, use tweezers to grasp it by the head, as close to the skin as
possible. Pull steadily until it comes loose. Without touching the tick, preserve
it in a jar or plastic bag until you can show it to your doctor. Disinfect the bite
area with alcohol, wash your hands, and call your doctor.

Check pets' skin and fur for ticks whenever they have been playing in tick-infested
areas. Follow your veterinarian's advice about collars and other products that can
keep your pet tick-free.

What Else Should I Know?

If you're recovering from RMSF at home, take the antibiotics as the doctor directed.
Rest in bed until the fever and other symptoms are gone.